C.C. van Asch-van Wijck (1900-1932) was an artist with the Royal Leerdam Glass Factory during the early 1900's. This was a time we see a lot of distinctive movement in Art to include Art Deco (beautiful distinctive art of the time) and Art Nouveau or the 'New' art, where artists were free to express themselves more in their art.  

Here is a little history on the Royal Leerdam Glass Factory:

When the first bottles were blown in Leerdam around 1765, Pilgrim and Meeder became the first in a long list of bottle makers and glassblowers to work on the banks of the River Linge. The modern era began in 1878 when a new Leerdam business was set up to produce blank stemware and pressed glass with plans to export it to the UK, Mexico and South America.

The Visionary

The fame and success of the Leerdam factory in the first half of the 20th century is mostly due to one man; its director P.M.Cochius. who worked his way up through the factory to become director in 1912 and then lead it for more than 35 years.

His legacy included; His development of a new 'sober' style based on designs by K.P.C. de Bazel and later by A.D. Copier, et al. His introduction of a broad and effective social plan to improve work and living conditions. His ambition to bring high-quality 'designer' products to the mass market at modest prices, publicize the designer's and focus on improved technology as well as improved design. (a trend known as 'kunstnijverheid' or 'industrial art').

His careful investment in machinery and plant capable of international-scale production and pricing. When the first bottles were blown in Leerdam around 1765, Pilgrim and Meeder became the first in a long list of bottle makers and glassblowers to work on the banks of the River Linge.

The modern era began in 1878 when a new Leerdam business was set up to produce blank stemware and pressed glass with plans to export it to the UK, Mexico and South America. **************************************************** 'The Mask' is a very striking sculpture. I have used various photos found on the Internet to show the beauty of the item, but have added my photos as well to show this is the same item and is in my possession. There is a emotion this sculpture evokes in you when viewing it, exactly what the artist intends when they create their art. I believe this one evokes different feelings in people. It is very interesting.

This would make a very good central piece of art for someone with a spotlight. I've found a light shining down in a spot works the best to bring out the features.

The Cristie auction describes this item: Leerdam sculpture, colourless satinated glass, modeled as a female head. Executed in Leerdam, Holland, 1929.

The Mask

The Sotheby auction estimate on this piece was: 1500 - 2000 in 2004.

Christie's realized price: 3,600 Euro or 4,614. (includes buyer premium)

I have included several photos from around the web as well as photos I've taken.

Please check out the sites below to learn more about this very popular and wonderful work of art! Christie's auction Botterweg Auction, Amsterdam Auction House This sculpture, The Mask, is featured in several different art books. If you would like to learn more about it, please reference these titles:

Literature F. Leidelmeijer & D. Van der Cingel, Art Nouveau en Art Deco in Nederland, Amsterdam 1983, p. 178, ill. 211

Lot Notes

For comparison see:

A. van der Kley-Blekxtoon, Leerdam Glas 1878-1998, Lochem, 1998, p. 134, Afb. 166

Thimo te Duits, Geperst Glas uit Leerdam, 1991, p. 94, no. 79 Leerdam catalogus 1934, De Tijdstroom 1990, p. 22